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How Often Should You Have Your Oil Changed? | Vestal NY | Near Binghamton, Elmira & Ithaca

Here at Serafini Nissan, we want to keep our customers informed about maintenance and service so that they can keep driving with peace of mind. Oil changes are a common type of maintenance we have to perform on vehicles regularly, but there is often debate as to just how regularly it should be done.

That's why we've included a few points for you to consider when deciding what service schedule works best for your vehicle. Ultimately, it varies car to car and person to person, but that doesn't mean you can't find the right schedule for your unique needs.

3,000 Miles: Fact or Fiction?

"Get your oil changed after 3,000 miles" was once the mantra of mechanics and car owners everywhere. Today, however, things have changed. While 3,000 miles was a good guideline for older cars, mechanics are mostly in consensus today that the number has increased for most models manufactured in the year 2008 or later. The reason for this is that both engine and oil technology have since improved. The new recommended mileage is somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,500, although older models should stick to a lower threshold, like 5,000. Six months is a good general time frame, so that you can also have your car inspected for other services it may need.

How Do You Drive?

Experts also say that the type of driving you do and the climate you live in can also affect how often you should get your oil changed. A city-dweller may need to have their oil changed more often because the frequent starting and stopping and short driving distance works the engine hard without giving the oil a chance warm up enough to work at full capacity. Colder climates also lead to poor oil-functionality for the same reason.

Check Your Owner's Manual

When inspecting the interior, one of the first things you need to check for is odor. If the car smells like mold, must or mildew that could indicate a water leak or flood damage. Make sure to also check the seats to see if they are worn or have any tears in the upholstery. You also need to make sure that the seats work properly and that you can get the drivers seat into the right position. You always need to make sure to test the controls and instruments to make sure that they are working properly. Lastly, you need to take a look at the roof and make sure that there are no signs of staining or water leaking through a sunroof or window.

These are primarily general guidelines to give you a better idea about scheduling. Ultimately, the best source to consult would be a mechanic specializing in your car's manufacturer. No two cars are alike, so an expert opinion is always the best option.

Interested in getting your vehicle's oil changed or having another routine service performed? Our service technicians are happy to serve you, so call us at 866-983-1283 or visit us at Serafini Nissan at 3101 Vestal Parkway E, Vestal, NY 13850 for your appointment. We proudly serve customers from Binghamton, Elmira and Ithaca!